'I will redeem myself'

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Michael Vick walked slowly to the podium, a sheet of white paper in hands, then looked out over the assembled horde of media gathered to hear his first public remarks regarding his involvement in an illegal dogfighting operation.

Just minutes after pleading guilty to felony charges of conspiracy and his involvement in the killing of at least six dogs that had not performed well in testing, the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback apologized for his behavior and for initially lying about his involvement, expressed regret for being a poor example to young fans, and asked for forgiveness. And if anyone expected Vick to read a perfunctory statement crafted by his attorney, he didn't once look at the sheet of paper.

"I want to apologize for all the things that I've done and that I've allowed to happen," Vick said at a hotel in Richmond, Va., a short distance from the federal courthouse where he pleaded guilty. "I want to personally apologize to Commissioner [Roger] Goodell, [Falcons owner] Arthur Blank, Coach Bobby Petrino, my Atlanta Falcons teammates for our previous discussions that we had and I was not honest and forthright. I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself.

"I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts. What I did was very immature, so that means I need to grow up. I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to bettering Michael Vick the person, not the football player. I take personal responsibility for my actions."

Vick also said he "made a mistake of using bad judgment and making bad decisions. Those things just can't happen. Dogfighting is a terrible thing, and I do reject it."

He added: "I will redeem myself. I have to."

Vick has been suspended indefinitely without pay by Goodell, who announced the sanction Friday, when Vick entered a written guilty plea. The Falcons will now pursue as much as $22 million of bonus money previously paid to Vick. Although they did not release him outright Monday, Blank made it clear the reason for keeping him on the roster had more to do with recouping the bonus money and saving money on the team's salary cap. Several league and team sources have indicated the Falcons plan to cut ties with Vick, possibly by next June.

Vick faces up to five years in prison for his guilty plea. Judge Henry Hudson will sentence Vick on Dec. 10. Although prosecutors have proposed a 12- to 18-month prison term, Hudson is not bound by the recommendation.

"You're taking your chances here," Hudson told Vick on Monday. "You'll have to live with whatever decision I make."

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THEY SAID IT

"I want to apologize for all the things that I've done and that I've allowed to happen. ... I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts."

MICHAEL VICK

[ in his first public remarks Monday, after pleading guilty in Virginia ]

"You're taking your chances here. You'll have to live with whatever decision I make."